After an exciting and intense opening round of the 2011 NBA playoffs, we see ourselves now with 8 teams remaining, and the team with the 2nd best record in the NBA already home fishing or hitting up the links. On Sunday round 2 begins with the highly anticipated matchup of two teams that personally I hate, and with the surprising matchup of the Thunder and Grizzlies. I feel the Thunder/Grizz series will be unexpectedly entertaining and hard fought. The team that plays the most consistent and has the sturdier defense will win, and in my opinion that will be the Thunder. Kevin Durant is already a superstar and will be for the next 10 years at least. As long as they work as a team, and Russell Westbrook remembers that he has other teammates, the Thunder will survive. I am looking forward to the Lakers/Mavericks series though. I love Kobe Bryant (used to hate him but developed an amazing amount of respect for his dedication, leadership ability, knowledge, and work ethic). This series will not finish before a few technicals are handed out, as both these teams play with enormous amounts of passion. I think the Lakers are finally hitting their stride and will finish the Mavs off in 6 or 7. This will lead to a Lakers Thunder matchup in the West Finals, which as of now I would pick the Lakers, but more of that in future posts as we near that time.

Shifting focus back to the East, the best matchup will be the Heat vs. Celtics. As I said I hate both these teams, and yes alot of that probably comes from the fact that I am a diehard Chicago Bulls fan. I think that as long as Da Bulls play as a team with a better defensive approach and continue to spread the ball, they can take care of Atlanta easily in 5 or 6. In the East Finals they will meet the winner of what could be one of the best playoff series in history. It features at least 6 Hall of Famers and has a variety of playmakers as well as different personalities that will clash on the court. As with the Lakers/Mavs series this series could have upwards of 10 T’s thrown out by the time a winner is declared. Whoever rises from the rubble will most likely have to have another long series against the number 1 seed Bulls. I believe the Celtics will take the series against Miami in 7, allthough if a significant injury occurs Miama could steal it. Boston is too experienced and knows this year is probably the last year before their championship window slams shut. Miami has too many conflicting play styles and egos to make a deep run this year, and if Boston plays D more consistent than the 76ers could, theyll take it.

No matter who wins I still have the Bulls going to the NBA finals against the Lakers. Now that my friends would be a series with so many storylines it would make Stephen King go crazy. But more on that when it happens. Enjoy watching the NBA playoffs on TNT. To quote Sir Charles, I dont think any of these upcoming series will be “Tuurible”.